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India's Nuclear Power Push: How BARC's New Reactors Could Change Energy Forever

India is taking a major step forward in its nuclear energy program. The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre has officially begun designing new small modular reactors. This move is backed by significant government funding and includes plans for international collaboration. The goal is to demonstrate this advanced technology within the next few years.

Key Points: BARC Begins Design of Small Modular Reactors for Nuclear Energy

  • BARC has started design work on multiple small modular reactor models for power and hydrogen
  • The first demonstration units are planned at a DAE site within 60-72 months of approval
  • India is exploring cooperation with Russia's Rosatom to build Russian-design SMRs locally
  • NPCIL has extended the deadline for industry proposals on captive-use reactors to March 2026
2 min read

BARC begins work to develop small modular reactors: Minister

India's BARC initiates design of small modular reactors, including the BSMR-200, with plans for five indigenous SMRs by 2033 and a ₹20,000 crore budget.

"In the Budget 2025–26 announcement for the Nuclear Energy Mission, emphasis is on the development and deployment of five indigenous SMRs by 2033 with an outlay of Rs 20,000 crore – Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh"

New Delhi, Dec 3

The government informed the Parliament on Wednesday that Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has initiated design and development works on small modular reactors (SMRs), including 200 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200), 55 MWe Small Modular Reactor (SMR-55), and up to 5 MWth high temperature gas cooled reactor meant for hydrogen generation.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha that it is proposed to construct the lead units of these reactors at DAE (Department of Atomic Energy) site for technology demonstration. The demonstration reactors are likely to be constructed in 60 to 72 months after receipt of project sanctions.

The minister also said that a meeting took place between the DAE and Russia’s Rosatom focused on furthering bilateral cooperation in the field of nuclear energy, such as development of projects for both large and small-scale nuclear power plants and cooperation in the nuclear fuel cycle.

Particularly, attention was given to opportunities for localizing equipment production in India. One of the new areas of discussion for cooperation, includes the construction of small modular reactors (SMRs) of Russian design in India.

Dr Singh further stated that in respect of Bharat Small Reactors (BSR) for captive use by industries, NPCIL floated a Request for Proposal (RFP) on December 31, 2024 in line with the business model approved by the government. A pre-proposal meeting was organized in February 2025 where queries of the interested industries were addressed. Clarifications on all the queries raised by various interested industries were compiled and posted on NPCIL website. Further, based on requests from the industries, the last date for submission of RFP has been extended to March 31, 2026.

He also said that the draft Atomic Energy Bill 2025 is currently in advanced stage of processing and preparation with final comments and suggestions from various Ministries being progressively incorporated along with concomitant vetting by Ministry of Law and Justice for legal compliances. Policy directives of the government with regard to specific aspects of the Bill are being suitably incorporated before being put up for approvals.

“In the Budget 2025–26 announcement for the Nuclear Energy Mission, emphasis is on the development and deployment of five indigenous SMRs by 2033 with an outlay of Rs 20,000 crore,” the minister added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see BARC leading this. Small modular reactors can be a game-changer for remote areas and industrial clusters. The hydrogen generation part is particularly exciting for a green future.
R
Rohit P
While the ambition is praiseworthy, 60 to 72 months just for demonstration reactors feels long. We need faster execution to keep up with energy demand. Also, hope safety and waste disposal are given top priority, not just speed.
S
Sarah B
The collaboration with Rosatom is strategic. Localizing equipment production will boost our manufacturing sector and create jobs. It's a smart move to combine indigenous development with proven foreign expertise.
V
Vikram M
Finally, a clear plan for captive use by industries! This can solve the power reliability issue for many manufacturing units. The extended RFP date shows the government is listening to industry feedback. Good process.
K
Kavya N
Hope the Atomic Energy Bill 2025 addresses public concerns about transparency and environmental impact. Nuclear energy is powerful but needs strong regulatory frameworks. Public trust is key for such projects.

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